Short Eared Owls Back On Patch.

3rd Nov. A txt from Cain alerted me to the fact that Short Eared Owl/s had been reported on patch. The afternoon light was just beginning to fade a little but I reckoned if i stepped out I could be along the wagon-ways and still have time for a good sighting before dark. So off I went.

There wasn't time to take much interest in what else was about. That's not normally my way, but the cloud seemed to suggest that darkness would set in quickly. As I neared the area a passing dog walker confirmed that she had been watching owls in the area that I had expected to find them. As I walked down the pathway a Short Eared Owl flew from the hedge and across the field to join another hunting Short Eared Owl. Both were very active and giving good sightings. They eventually flew off across the fields. On my return I found that one had perched in the hedge again, not very far from the footpath.

By now the light was really going, but a lone Kestrel still hovered over the fields. With all the activity at Prestwick Carr I had more than half expected Short Eared Owls to turn up on patch again this year. After the good sightings of two years ago I had kept a close look out over last winter, but found nothing. I'm hoping we have over wintering birds here.

I couldn't beat the darkness home, but I did manage to out pace the downpour of rain.